Spurs’ bad voodoo in Big Easy continues

Six-game win streak is halted

New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee, left rear, attempts to block the shot fo San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer) less

New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee, left rear, attempts to block the shot fo San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, FRE / Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) drives against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) drives against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, FRE / Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer)

New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer)

Photo: Max Becherer, FRE / Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) releases a 3-point shot over San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer) less

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) releases a 3-point shot over San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, FRE / Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots against San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) and guard Danny Green (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer) less

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots against San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) and guard Danny Green (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, FRE / Associated Press

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2540 x 3840~~$~~New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots against San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) and guard Danny Green (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. less

2540 x 3840~~$~~New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots against San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) and guard Danny Green (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, AP

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San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) drives against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) drives against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer)

New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Max Becherer)

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith (4) keeps the ball in play in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith (4) keeps the ball in play in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) hits the floor while defending New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) hits the floor while defending New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans ... more

New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry, left, greets San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich after the Pelicans defeated the Spurs 104-90 in an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (AP ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (14) passes the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (14) passes the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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2285 x 3840~~$~~New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry makes a point during the second half of his NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. less

2285 x 3840~~$~~New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry makes a point during the second half of his NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, AP

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) contest an out-of-bounds ball in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) contest an out-of-bounds ball in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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Pelicans cheerleaders perform in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

Pelicans cheerleaders perform in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Toney Douglas during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Toney Douglas during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith (4) smiles during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith (4) smiles during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) makes a shot against New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) makes a shot against New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) points to the scoreboard after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. San Antonio Spurs' Boris Diaw is at left. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) points to the scoreboard after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. San Antonio Spurs' Boris Diaw is at ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives for a shot against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives for a shot against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs hcoach Gregg Popovich watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs hcoach Gregg Popovich watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/Max ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis celebrates during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis celebrates during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich walks the sidelines during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich walks the sidelines during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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2560 x 3840~~$~~San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) attempts to pass against New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. less

2560 x 3840~~$~~San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) attempts to pass against New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, AP

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San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) reacts after falling during a drive to the basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) reacts after falling during a drive to the basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs center Boban Marjanovic (40) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer) less

San Antonio Spurs center Boban Marjanovic (40) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won ... more

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee makes a basket against the Spurs in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee makes a basket against the Spurs in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. The Pelicans won 104-90. (AP Photo/ Max Becherer)

Photo: Max Becherer, Associated Press

Spurs’ bad voodoo in Big Easy continues

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NEW ORLEANS – Spurs point guard Tony Parker didn’t notice the most bizarre number in a bizarre box score from another bizarre night in the Big Easy until somebody pointed it out to him.

Tim Duncan has played 1,343 games in his career. Friday’s 104-90 loss at New Orleans was the first time he failed to record a rebound.

“I didn’t know he didn’t get one,” Parker said.

Parker has one explanation for Duncan’s goose egg on the glass.

“That’s because we played in New Orleans,” Parker said. “It’s always something weird here.”

As if the Spurs needed another reason to believe in New Orleans voodoo.

Last season, they rolled into the Smoothie King Center on the last night of the regular season, riding an 11-game winning streak and needing only to beat the Pelicans to secure a No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Instead, the Spurs lost, slipped to the sixth seed and had to open the postseason on the road at the Los Angeles Clippers, which dispatched them in seven games.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich referenced last season’s final visit to New Orleans before tipoff Friday.

The Spurs had a six-game winning streak halted against a struggling Pelicans team that had to improve to 2-11 to do it.

All-Star forward Anthony Davis scored 20 points with 18 rebounds in his return from a shoulder injury, but – typical of the Spurs’ luck in New Orleans – it was a pair of backups, Ryan Anderson and Ish Smith, who carried the Pelicans.

Anderson poured in 30 points – his second straight game with that many – while Smith carved up the Spurs with 17 points and a season-high 13 assists.

Six of Smith’s assists went to Anderson, who finished 12 of 21 from the floor and made six 3-pointers.

At one point in the fourth quarter, Popovich grew so weary of watching Smith dust Patty Mills that he inserted his third-string point guard, Ray McCallum.

Smith immediately beat McCallum off the dribble and tossed an alley-oop pass to Davis.

“He was getting into seams and finding open players, and you start to second-guess how to guard him,” Mills said. “It was one of those days where you’ve got to be sharp in the game plan and understand what he’s good at.”

Poor defense by the Spurs’ backcourt wasn’t the only reason for Smith’s big night.

Credit an assist to New Orleans forward Alonzo Gee, a former Spur.

It was Gee’s foot LaMarcus Aldridge stepped on after taking a jumper in the first quarter, twisting his left ankle.

Aldridge finished the game after taking some time in the locker room, but acknowledged his tender ankle made him “a bit of a liability” on defense.

After the game, Aldridge said it was too soon to know if his ankle would make him available for Saturday’s back-to-back closer at home against Memphis, which features two of the NBA’s top big men in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.

“It usually gets worse the next day, so we’ll see how it feels when I wake up,” Aldridge said. “I want to make sure if I’m out there, I want to be good on both ends.”

Aldridge finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds Friday on 8 of 18 shooting. Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 22 points, but required 20 shots to get there.

The Spurs managed a season-low 28 points in the paint.

The Spurs might have been able to overcome all of the above had their defense been able to keep the Pelicans under wraps. They trailed by four entering the fourth quarter before getting crushed 26-16 in the final frame.

“We made a lot of mental mistakes,” forward David West said. “We gave up too much penetration. We couldn’t string together those four or five stops in a row.”

Said Aldridge: “We all had some brain farts out there.”

Perhaps it was a simple as this: The Pelicans needed the win more.

A playoff team a year ago, thanks to that victory over the Spurs in Game No. 82, New Orleans needed some sort of positive juju after a disastrous and injury plagued start to the Alvin Gentry era.

“Believe me, every single person associated with our team is frustrated with our record,” Gentry said. “You can do one of two things: You can have a pity party … or you can go out and compete like crazy.”

The Pelicans chose the latter option Friday, ringing up their second victory of the season at the Spurs’ expense.

The Spurs left New Orleans in good enough shape, at 9-3 with a better record than any team in the West that does not employ Stephen Curry.

But the Spurs left another difficult night in the Big Easy aware of something else, too.

It wasn’t only the loss in last season’s finale that cost them playoff seeding. An extra win at any point along the way would have done the trick.

“We saw the end result last year – these types of games mean a lot,” Mills said. “They all do.”

The Spurs can only hope they don’t come to regret their latest New Orleans flop come April.